I’m not sure exactly what blackgroove death metal is, but here was my chance to find out. Obsidian Mantra are from Poland. Formed in 2014, this is their second album release.
The atmosphere is dark. No great surprise there, then. But as death and sinister happenings linger in the air and cause a bit of a stink, “Shield of Disbelief” moves forward deliberately and chunkily. The harsh death vocals fit neatly into the developing scene of expanding mist and heavy obscurity. Obsidian Mantra plunge the depths again with the groove-laden “The Demon Haunted World”, and I mean a deep groove. The musicianship is tight and full of heavy menace but also twisting patterns and transformations. The drummer pounds the life out of everything present, yet there is an energy thanks to this almost djenty groove, which is a pleasure to listen to. It’s probably going a bit far to say that dark meets light, but musically there is colour and sophistication even if the atmosphere is downtrodden and one of suffering and pain. “Ghost Hunt (The Discovered) continues in the same direction, driving forward at pace at one point before dropping back for a good roar and further contemptuous metal reflections on the constantly dark theme. It is of course uncompromising and powerful. Unclean worlds and torment provide the theme.
“False Spirituality” is another heavy technical death metal ritual, but in common with the other pieces, does not leave wondering in lonely torment. Instead, it drives forward like a machine, taking us with it on its weighty path. A short interlude interrupts proceedings but it’s not long before heavy, chunky, sinister death metal is ramming itself down our throat, this time in the form of “The Orphans Bloodline”. As ever the riffs are hard and it is as if a great weight is being dropped on us. “The First Disbeliever” has a similar attritional quality but lurking in those instrumentals are subtle twists, but not such they are like revelations. The overriding atmosphere, found again on the doomsaying “Circle of Mourners” is one of dread and overwhelming power, even during its rare moment of reflection. “Circle of Mourners” is in fact one of the more dynamic tracks with a pounding surge towards the end. It’s another battering but of a different kind. Another sombre interlude follows before “Eternal Atonement” takes us to the end. The whole album is like the prelude to the end. Chunkiness, power and desolate-sounding guitar lines are all there to accompany the customary heavy death metal fare. The funereal tone is interrupted by a ferocious roar and another barrage of heavily grooved metal before it all dies away sorrowfully and powerfully.
The promised groove lines are there. “Minds Led Astray” is not explosive nor is it spectacular. It is solid and atmospheric Prepare for a weighty journey.
(7.5/10 Andrew Doherty)
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